Dr. David A. Thompson

Dr. David Alfred Thompson, 78, of Gainesville, FL, passed away unexpectedly on September 26, 2025, following a sudden cardiac arrest while playing golf.

Born in England and growing up in New Zealand, David carried with him the warmth, resilience, and kindness of his homeland throughout his life. While in medical school at the University of Otago, he met Cynthia Harris, a young nurse who captured his heart. Their marriage and partnership became the cornerstone of his life. Together they built a life marked by deep devotion, respect, and a love that sustained them through many seasons of life.

A gifted family physician and a man of great compassion, Dr. Thompson was highly regarded in the medical community and devoted his life to caring for others. Over the course of his medical career, he delivered more than 1,000 babies (including his youngest daughter) while living and practicing in Archbold, Ohio. He and Cynthia relocated to Gainesville, FL in 1998 and there he continued to care for patients practicing family medicine and guiding families through some of their most cherished and difficult moments. His steady hands, reassuring words, and gentle presence left an indelible mark on generations of patients who will forever remember him with gratitude.

Beyond and even more important than his professional accomplishments, David's faith and family was at the center of his life. He loved Jesus deeply and lived out that faith in the way he cared for others, led his family, and treated everyone he met with kindness. David was the proud father to three daughters and the beloved grandfather to nine grandchildren each of whom brought him immense joy. He delighted in cheering them on at every milestone and offering wise advice usually with a touch of humor. He was a guiding hand and a source of comfort. To his three daughters he was more than a dad, he was a supporter, teacher, and friend. His sense of humor, generosity, and gift for storytelling made him a treasured presence at every gathering. Above all, he was a devoted husband and caregiver to Cynthia, with whom he shared a lifetime of faith, laughter and love.

After his retirement in 2019, he looked forward to his Tuesday morning golf outing, his Wednesday morning men's group, and enjoying his backyard "English Garden." He spent his life cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes (the alma mater of two of his daughters), Liverpool F.C., and the New Zealand All Blacks. In quieter moments, he loved tuning into the BBC, and spending time with his beloved pets, specifically his cherished Border Collies.

He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and nine grandchildren. Cynthia (Harris), Claire Kern (Matthew), Lauren Kern (28), Leah Kern (24), Joel Kern (20), Susan Mears (Ryan), Samantha Mears (16), and Chloe Mears (12), Heather Krzykowski (Kevin), David Krzykowski (21), Matthew Krzykowski (18), Parker Krzykowski (15), and Violet Krzykowski (10).

David will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family takes great comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus. He lived a full life and leaves a tremendous legacy. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and pastoral staff for their care at his end of life.

A celebration of life will be held at Grace at Ft. Clarke Church 9325 W. Newberry Rd, Gainesville FL at 2pm on October 19th, 2025.